Concert upgrades at Oslo’s Unity Arena

Image: Unity Arena

Norway’s Unity Arena is undergoing a series of renovations and improvements to elevate the visitor experience for concert goers.

NTB said that throughout 2024, work has been carried out to adapt the arena on several levels to cater for concerts for between 5,000 and up to 25,000 visitors.

The venue can now be divided into three sizes. The smallest, “Box”, can hold from 5,000-10,000 visitors, the medium-sized “Bowl” can accommodate from 10,000-16,000, and the largest “Arena” can host from 16,000-25,000 music-loving people.

Unity Arena, previously known as Telenor Arena and Fornebu Arena, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located at Fornebu in Bærum, outside Oslo, Norway. It is Norway’s largest multi-purpose arena for concerts, sports, trade fairs and events

Major changes have been made to the venue so it can offer the best possible guest experience. There will be greater capacity in bars and kiosks, as well as a new and broader food offering.

Improvements have been made to the sound system with the help of the best in the industry, and there will be an expanded Premium offer.

With names like Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Broiler and OneRepublic on the bill, Unity Arena is looking forward to an eventful year.

Live Nation is Norway’s largest promoter and is responsible for most of the biggest concerts in the country. They have a large and exciting calendar at Unity Arena for the next two years.

Head Promoter at Live Nation Norway, Martin Nielsen said, “With the measures that have been taken in the arena, we are looking forward to an exciting time with many and varied concerts at Unity Arena. We are confident that the steps that have been taken with the scaling, sound image and catering will make the arena perfect for smaller concerts as well.”

Unity Arena has also teamed up with Oak View Group (OVG), which is a global leader in the development of arenas and guest experiences.

OVG International President Jessica Koravos, said, “OVG is very pleased to be collaborating with the team at Unity Arena. The aim is to enhance the experience for fans as they plan to welcome more guests than ever before. OVG will support the delivery of successful events at the arena. We look forward to a busy 2025 with many top international artists at Unity Arena.”
 

Improved sound

Major changes have been made to the roof rigging to make all of this possible, and the focus has always been on improving the guest experience. With the help of the world’s leading arena acoustics company, Vanguardia, the sound experience at Unity Arena will be better than ever. The company’s track record includes The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Jim Griffiths, Director of Vanguardia explains: “Extensive 3D acoustic testing has been completed, along with detailed arena modelling. This provides a concrete overview of the improvements to the sound quality during concerts in all stage configurations.

“In addition, a detailed audio guide will be available to help with the production’s sound configuration, so that the sound image is as optimal as possible.”

In addition to small and large concerts, there will also be trade fairs and sporting events in Unity Arena.

The Men’s Handball World Championship will be played in the arena in January.

Managing Director, Kjetil Bell Tveit, is looking forward to a magical year with events of all sizes. He said, “We are looking forward to giving the audience a wide range of memorable experiences in a well-known arena with new opportunities and a new name.

“Together with our international partners and skilled Norwegian promoters, we are opening up the arena for even more artists to enter the arena’s stages. Next year, a public festival will kick off when the world’s best men’s handball players take to the arena for the World Championship.”

Chairman of the board of Unity Arena, Fredrik Steinum, added, “The coming years are a foretaste of the experience destination we are planning. The goal is to create one of Europe’s leading entertainment districts with a world-class arena that is suitable for all types of concerts, events and sporting events.”

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